How to Reduce Mildew With Rice
Mildew is created by excess moisture that accumulates in an area, causing both bacteria and a musty odor that is difficult to remove. There are several products on the market that claim to reduce moisture and mildew, including dehumidifiers.
When you are looking for a more affordable solution than an expensive piece of equipment, rice is a suitable alternative.
Things You Will Need
- Rice
- Plastic bags
- Pan
- Water
- Stove
- Large spoon
Tip
Rice can also be placed in salt shakers, which will collect moisture and prevent the salt from clumping. When your cell phone comes into contact with moisture, fill a plastic sandwich bag halfway with rice, take the battery out of the cell phone, and place the phone inside the plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake it, then leave the phone inside the bag for an hour. Remove, wipe off and reinsert the battery.
Using Uncooked Rice
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Pour rice into plastic sandwich bags, filling each bag 3/4 full with rice.
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Place the bags of rice in areas of the home that accumulate moisture. Leave each plastic bag open and placed out of reach of children and pets. The rice will absorb and trap excess moisture in the air, while using plastic bags will prevent the trapped moisture from leaking.
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Check on the bags every few weeks, replacing every one to two months or as needed when the rice is damp to the touch.
Using Cooked Rice
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Boil a pot of water, using four cups of water.
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Pour two cups of rice into the boiling water, and stir until the rice is slightly scorched.
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Allow the rice to cool.
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Put the pot of rice in the mildewed area, and let sit for at least four hours or overnight when possible.
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Discard the rice and repeat if necessary until all mildew smell has been removed.
The Drip Cap
- Mildew is created by excess moisture that accumulates in an area, causing both bacteria and a musty odor that is difficult to remove.
- The rice will absorb and trap excess moisture in the air, while using plastic bags will prevent the trapped moisture from leaking.
- Put the pot of rice in the mildewed area, and let sit for at least four hours or overnight when possible.
References
Writer Bio
Mel Frank is a professional freelance writer with over 15 years of writing experience. She has completed a wide variety of writing assignments for a number of publications that include CNN and various websites. Frank received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from a prestigious university in Pennsylvania.
Photo Credits
- basmati rice image by Carpenter from Fotolia.com
- basmati rice image by Carpenter from Fotolia.com
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